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htm personal alarm

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1____________330K R2____________100R C1_____________10nF C2____________100F Q1____________BC547 Q2____________BC327 1/4W Resistor 1/4W Resistor 63V Polyester or Ceramic Capacitor 25V Electrolytic Capacitor 45V 100mA NPN Transistor 45V 800mA PNP Transistor

SW1____________Reed Switch and small magnet (See Notes) SPKR___________8 Ohm Loudspeaker (See Notes) B1_____________3V Battery (two A or AA cells wired in series etc.)

Device purpose: This circuit, enclosed in a small plastic box, can be placed into a bag or handbag. A small magnet is placed close to the reed switch and connected to the hand or the clothes of the person carrying the bag by means of a tiny cord. If the bag is snatched abruptly, the magnet looses its contact with the reed switch, SW1 opens, the circuit starts oscillating and the loudspeaker emits a loud alarm sound. The device can be reverse connected, i.e. the box can be placed in a pocket and the cord connected to the bag. This device can be very useful in signalling the opening of a door or window: place the box on

the frame and the magnet on the movable part in a way that magnet and reed switch are very close when the door or window is closed. Circuit operation: A complementary transistor-pair is wired as a high efficiency oscillator, directly driving a small loudspeaker. Low part-count and 3V battery supply allow a very compact construction. Notes:

The loudspeaker can be any type, its dimensions are limited only by the box that will enclose it. An on-off switch is unnecessary because the stand-by current drawing is less than 20A. Current consumption when the alarm is sounding is about 100mA. If the circuit is used as anti-bag-snatching, SW1 can be replaced by a 3.5mm mono Jack socket and the magnet by a 3.5mm. mono Jack plug having its internal leads shorted. The Jack plug will be connected to the tiny cord etc. Do not supply this circuit at voltages exceeding 4.5V: it will not work and Q2 could be damaged. In any case a 3V supply is the best compromise

Bells ring Generator

Three circuit options Can be synchronized to Christmas tree flashing lights

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1,R3,R7,R9,R13_10K R2_______________1M5 R4______________27K R5,R11__________47K R6,R12_________220K R8_______________2M2 R10_____________33K C1_______________22 C2______________47F C3,C8___________10F C4,C7___________10nF C5,C6__________100nF D1-D5_________1N4148 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 25V 25V 25V 63V 63V Resistors Resistor Resistor Resistors Resistors Resistor Resistor Electrolytic Capacitor Electrolytic Capacitor Electrolytic Capacitors Polyester Capacitors Polyester Capacitors

75V 150mA Diodes

IC1__________MC14106 or 40106 Hex Schmitt Inverter IC Q1_____________BC337 Q2,Q3,Q5_______BC238 Q4 ____________BC327 45V 800mA NPN Transistor 25V 100mA NPN Transistors 45V 800mA PNP Transistor

PH______________Photo resistor (any type) (see Notes) P1______________SPST Pushbutton (see Notes)

SW1_____________SPST Switch SPKR____________8 Ohm Loudspeaker B1______________3V Battery (two 1.5V AA or AAA cells in series etc.)

Parts added to optional modification:

R14____________220K R15______________1M C9_______________47 C10______________1F 1/4W Resistor 1/4W Resistor 25V Electrolytic Capacitor 25V Electrolytic Capacitor

Device purpose: This circuit generates a dual-tone bells ringing similar to most door-bell units. It can be used in many applications other than door-bell. In the Notes below several options will be given in order to suit different needs. Circuit operation: The circuit as shown in the diagram generates a "Ding-tone" when P1 is pressed and a "Dongtone" when P1 is released. IC1D is the first-tone frequency generator and IC1F generates the second-tone. Q2, Q5 and related components act as shape and decay controls of the two tones, trying to imitate as close as possible the bells sound. Their outputs are mixed (R7 & R13), filtered (C5) and boosted by a simple class-A audio amplifier (Q3 & Q4) in order to drive the loudspeaker. The amplifier is switched-on by Q1 when P1 is pressed, then is switched-off some seconds after P1 is released: this time-delay is fixed by C1 & R2. In this way the circuit will draw a negligible current when in stand-by mode. Notes:

To obtain a "Ding-Dong" operation when pushing on P1, no matter when it is released, you must modify the circuit as shown in the frame placed at the low-right corner of the circuit diagram. D4 must be removed. C10 & R15 set the time-delay separating first and second tone. To obtain a one-tone-only generator, wire the circuit as in the optional modification, making the following changes: C9 = 100nF 63V Polyester Capacitor. Omit R9 to R13 & R15; C7, C8 & C10; D2, D4, D5 & Q5. Connect to negative supply pins 11 & 13 of IC1 and left open pins 10 & 12.

An amusing application of this circuit wired as in the original schematic, is to use a photoresistor in place of P1, then placing the unit near the flashing lamps of your Christmas tree. A soft bell sound may be heard at switch-on and switch-off of the lamp chosen. To obtain higher output power you may substitute R8, Q3 & Q4 with an audio amplifier IC like the LM386 or LM380. In this case power supply must be raised to 6 - 12V but at the same time R4 & R10 should be changed to adjust bell-tone frequencies. Good tone frequencies are roughly 2000 and 1650Hz respectively. When in stand-by mode, current drawing of the circuit is 200A @ 3V supply: therefore SW1 can be omitted.

Pulse-Generator & Signal-Tracer

Dual-purpose test-instrument Very simple circuitry, 1.5V Battery-operated
Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1__________________1M R2,R4_______________2K7 R3________________150K C1__________________2n2 C2,C3_______________4n7 D1_______________1N4148 Q1________________BC547 Q2________________BC557 SW1________________SPST 1/4W Resistor 1/4W Resistors 1/4W Resistor 630V Ceramic or Polyester Capacitor (See Notes) 63V Ceramic or Polyester Capacitors 75V 150mA Diode 45V 100mA NPN Transistor 45V 100mA PNP Transistor miniature Slider Switch (See Notes)

J1_________________Stereo switched 3mm. Jack socket (See Notes) Probe______________Metal Probe 3 to 5 cm. long Clip_______________Miniature Crocodile Clip

B1_________________1.5V Battery (AA or AAA cell etc.)

Device purpose: This simple circuit generates narrow pulses at about 700-800Hz frequency. The pulses, containing harmonics up to the MHz region, can be injected into audio or radio-frequency stages of amplifiers, receivers and the like for testing purposes. A high-pitched tone can be heard from the speaker of the device under test when all is working properly. The clip must be connected to the ground of the device under test, touching with the probe the different stages of the circuit, starting from the last stage and going up towards the first. When the tone is no longer heard, the defective stage has been found. Connecting an earclip or headphone to J1, the circuit will automatically change into a two-stage amplifier and any audio signal coming from the device under test and picked-up by the probe will be heard through the headphones. The testing of a circuit should be made in the reverse manner, i.e. starting from the first stage and going down until the last stage. When nothing is heard, the defective stage has been found. Circuit operation: Q1 & Q2 form a complementary astable multivibrator, whose operating frequency is set mainly by R3, C2 & C3 values. Output pulses are taken at Q2 Collector and applied to the probe by means of decoupling capacitor C1. D1 provides a symmetrical shape for the output waveform. If an earclip or headphone jack is plugged into J1, the connection from Q2 Collector and C1 - C2 is broken by the switch incorporated into J1: in this case the circuit becomes a two-stage amplifier. Notes:

If you intend to use the circuit to test valve operated devices C1 must be a 630V type. Working with low voltage supply transistor devices the voltage of C1 can be lowered to 63 or 100V. If instead of a short probe, you intend to connect the circuit to the device under test by means of a piece of wire longer than a few centimeters, a small ceramic capacitor (470 to 1000pF) should be added in parallel to D1 to prevent unwanted RF oscillation. Current drawing when in Pulse-Generator mode is about 60A and 1.2mA when in Signal-Tracer mode operation. Therefore SW1 can be omitted, provided that the earclip or headphones are unplugged when the circuit is unused. J1 is a stereo switched jack socket wired to obtain a series connection of the two earpieces forming a stereo headphone. In this manner the circuit is loaded with a higher impedance and sensitivity will be improved. Therefore, the higher the load impedance the more sensitive the Signal-Tracer. In any case, common 32 Ohm impedance mini-headphones suitable for walkman sets will work fine. A crystal (high impedance) earpiece is a good solution, provided you substitute J1 with a mono switched jack socket.

The entire circuit can be easily fitted into a pen-like enclosure, with the probe protruding like a nib.

LED or Lamp Flasher

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1________1M R2______100R R3_______22R C1________1F D1_______LED Q1____2N3906 Q2____2N3904 1/4W Resistor 1/4W Resistor 1/4W Resistor 63V Electrolytic, Multilayer Ceramic or Polyester Capacitor Any type and color 40V 200mA PNP Transistor 40V 200mA NPN Transistor

SW1_____SPST Switch B1________3V (Two 1.5V AA or AAA cells wired in series, etc.)

Notes:

Flashing frequency can be varied by changing R1 value in the 1M - 4M7 range. This circuit is very efficient when driving a small 3.2V incandescent lamp. In this case omit the LED and R3, connecting the bulb across Q2 Collector and positive supply, further reducing parts counting. Maximum current drawing of the bulb type used should not exceed 100mA. In order to facilitate oscillation when a bulb is driven, R2 value should be lowered to 82R or 68R.

LED or Lamp Pulser

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1,R2___________4K7 R3_____________22K R4______________2M2 R5_____________10K R6_____________47R C1______________1F 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W Resistors Resistor Resistor (See Notes) Resistor Resistor (See Notes)

63V Polyester Capacitor

D1_____________5mm. Red LED (See Notes) IC1__________LM358 Q1___________BC337 Low Power Dual Op-amp 45V 800mA NPN Transistor

Circuit operation: This circuit operates a LED in pulsing mode, i.e. the LED goes from off state, lights up gradually, then dims gradually, etc. This operation mode is obtained by a triangular wave generator formed by two op-amps contained in a very cheap 8 pin DIL case IC. Q1 ensures current buffering, in order to obtain a better load drive. R4 & C1 are the timing components: using the values shown in the parts list, the total period is about 4 seconds. Notes:

The most satisfying results are obtained adopting for R4 a value ranging from 220K to 4M7. Adopting for R4 a value below 220K, the pulsing effect will be indistinguishable from a normal blinking effect. The LED can be any type and color.

You can use a filament lamp bulb instead of the LED, provided it is rated in the range 3.2 to 6V, 200mA max. Using a bulb as a load, R6 must be omitted. Voltage supply range can be 4 to 6V: 4.5V is the best compromise. Do not supply the circuit with voltages exceeding 6V: it will work less good and Q1 could be damaged when a bulb will be used as the load. At 6V supply, increase R6 value to 100 Ohm.

One-IC two-tones Siren

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1,R3___470K R2______680K R4_______82K R5______330K R6_______10K R7_______33K R8________3M3 C1,C5_____10F C2,C6_____10nF C3_______100nF C4_______100F D1-D3___1N4148 IC1_____4093 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 25V 63V 63V 25V Resistors Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Electrolytic Capacitors Polyester Capacitors Polyester Capacitor Electrolytic Capacitor

75V 150mA Diodes Quad 2 input Schmitt NAND Gate IC

Q1______BC337

45V 800mA NPN Transistor

P1______SPST Pushbutton SW1_____DPDT Switch SPKR____8 Ohm Loudspeaker B1______6V Battery (4 AA 1.5V Cells in series)

Circuit operation: This circuit is intended for children fun, and can be installed on bicycles, battery powered cars and motorcycles, but also on models and various games and toys. With SW1 positioned as shown in the circuit diagram, the typical dual-tone sound of Police or Fire-brigade cars is generated, by the oscillation of IC1A and IC1B gates. With SW1 set to the other position, the old siren sound increasing in frequency and then slowly decreasing is reproduced, by pushing on P1 that starts oscillation in IC1C and IC1D. The loudspeaker, driven by Q1, should be of reasonable dimensions and well encased, in order to obtain a more realistic and louder output. Tone and period of the sound oscillations can be varied by changing the values of C1, C2, C5, C6 and/or associated resistors. No power switch is required: leave SW1 in the low position (old-type siren) and the circuit consumption will be negligible.

Variable DC Power Supply

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
P1____________500R P2_____________10K R1,R2___________2K2 R3____________330R R4____________150R R5______________1R C1___________3300F C2______________1F Linear Potentiometer Log. Potentiometer 1/2W 1/4W 1/4W 5W Resistors Resistor Resistor Resistor

35V Electrolytic Capacitor (see Notes) 63V Polyester Capacitor

D1,D2________1N5402 200V 3A Diodes D3_____________5mm. Red LED Q1____________BC182 Q2____________BD139 50V 100mA NPN Transistor 80V 1.5A NPN Transistor

Q3____________BC212 50V 100mA PNP TransistorDevice purpose: A Variable DC Power Supply is one of the most useful tools on the electronics hobbyist's workbench. This circuit is not an absolute novelty, but it is simple, reliable, "rugged" and shortproof, featuring variable voltage up to 24V and variable current limiting up to 2A. Well suited to supply the circuits shown in this website. You can adapt it to your own requirements as explained in the notes below. Notes:

P1 sets the maximum output current you want to be delivered by the power supply at a given output voltage. P2 sets the output voltage and must be a logarithmic taper type, in order to obtain a more linear scale voltage indication. You can choose the Transformer on the grounds of maximum voltage and current output needed. Best choices are: 36, 40 or 48V center-tapped and 50, 75, 80 or 100VA. Capacitor C1 can be 2200 to 6800F, 35 to 50V. Q4 must be mounted on a good heatsink in order to withstand sustained output shortcircuit. In some cases the rear panel of the metal box in which you will enclose the circuit can do the job. The 2N3055 transistor (Q4) can be replaced with the slightly less powerful TIP3055 type.
60V 15A NPN Transistor

Q4 __________2N3055

T1_____________220V Primary, 36V Center-tapped Secondary 50VA Mains transformer (see Notes) PL1____________Male Mains plug SW1____________SPST Mains switch

Jogging Timer
Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1_____________47K R2_____________10M R3______________1M R4_____________12K C1,C3__________10F C2____________100nF D1___________1N4148 IC1____________4093 IC2____________4060 IC3____________4017 Q1____________BC337 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor (see notes)

25V Electrolytic Capacitors 63V Polyester Capacitor 75V 150mA Diode Quad 2 input Schmitt NAND Gate IC 14 stage ripple counter and oscillator IC Decade counter with 10 decoded outputs IC 45V 800mA NPN Transistor

SW1___________1 pole 9 ways Rotary Switch (see notes) SW2___________SPST Slider Switch BZ1___________Piezo sounder (incorporating 3KHz oscillator) B1____________3V Battery (two 1.5V AA or AAA cells in series etc.)

Device purpose: This circuit was developed since a number of visitors of this website requested a timer capable of emitting a beep after one, two, three minutes and so on, for jogging purposes. As shown in the Circuit diagram, SW1 is a 1 pole 9 ways Rotary Switch. Setting the switch in position 1, the Piezo sounder emits three short beeps every minute. In position 2 the same thing happens after a 2 minutes delay, and so on, reaching a maximum interval of 9 minutes in position 9. Notes:

Needing only one time set, rotary switch can be replaced by an hard-wired link. A DIP-Switch can be used in place of the rotary type. Please pay attention to use only one switch at a time, or the device could be damaged. Varying R4 from 10K to 15K you can obtain more or less than three short beeps after the preset time delay. To obtain a one-second beep only, after the preset time delay, disconnect pin 9 of IC1C from pin 9 of IC2 and connect it to pin 8 of IC1C.

Bicycle back Safety Light

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1_____________10K R2,R9,R10_____100K R3-R8,R11-R16__10R R17___________150R C1______________1F C2_____________10nF C3____________100F D1-D13_____Red LEDs IC1,IC2________7555 SW1____________SPST B1_______________3V 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W Resistor Resistors Resistors Resistor

63V Polyester Capacitor 63V Polyester Capacitor 25V Electrolytic Capacitor 5mm. or bigger, high efficiency or TS555CN CMos Timer IC Slider Switch Battery (2 AA 1.5V Cells in series

Device purpose: This circuit has been designed to provide a clearly visible light, formed by 13 high efficiency flashing LEDs arranged in a pseudo-rotating order. Due to low voltage, low drain battery operation and small size, the device is suitable for mounting on bicycles as a back light, or to put on by jogger/walkers. Circuit operation: IC1 is a CMos version of the 555 IC wired as an astable multivibrator generating a 50% dutycycle square wave at about 4Hz frequency. At 3V supply, 555 output (pin 3) sinking current operation is far better than sourcing, then LEDs D1-D6 are connected to the positive supply rail. In order to obtain an alternate flashing operation, a second 555 IC is provided, acting as a trigger plus inverter and driving LEDs D7-D12. D13 is permanently on. The LEDs are arranged in a two series display as shown below, with a center LED permanently on. This arrangement and the alternate flashing of the two series of LEDs provide a pseudorotating appearance.

LED arrangement:

Notes:

Flashing frequency can be varied changing C1 value. High efficiency LEDs are essential.

Pulse-Generator & Signal-Tracer

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1__________________1M R2,R4_______________2K7 R3________________150K C1__________________2n2 C2,C3_______________4n7 D1_______________1N4148 Q1________________BC547 Q2________________BC557 SW1________________SPST 1/4W Resistor 1/4W Resistors 1/4W Resistor 630V Ceramic or Polyester Capacitor (See Notes) 63V Ceramic or Polyester Capacitors 75V 150mA Diode 45V 100mA NPN Transistor 45V 100mA PNP Transistor miniature Slider Switch (See Notes)

J1_________________Stereo switched 3mm. Jack socket (See Notes)

Probe______________Metal Probe 3 to 5 cm. long Clip_______________Miniature Crocodile Clip B1_________________1.5V Battery (AA or AAA cell etc.)

Device purpose: This simple circuit generates narrow pulses at about 700-800Hz frequency. The pulses, containing harmonics up to the MHz region, can be injected into audio or radio-frequency stages of amplifiers, receivers and the like for testing purposes. A high-pitched tone can be heard from the speaker of the device under test when all is working properly. The clip must be connected to the ground of the device under test, touching with the probe the different stages of the circuit, starting from the last stage and going up towards the first. When the tone is no longer heard, the defective stage has been found. Connecting an earclip or headphone to J1, the circuit will automatically change into a two-stage amplifier and any audio signal coming from the device under test and picked-up by the probe will be heard through the headphones. The testing of a circuit should be made in the reverse manner, i.e. starting from the first stage and going down until the last stage. When nothing is heard, the defective stage has been found. Circuit operation: Q1 & Q2 form a complementary astable multivibrator, whose operating frequency is set mainly by R3, C2 & C3 values. Output pulses are taken at Q2 Collector and applied to the probe by means of decoupling capacitor C1. D1 provides a symmetrical shape for the output waveform. If an earclip or headphone jack is plugged into J1, the connection from Q2 Collector and C1 - C2 is broken by the switch incorporated into J1: in this case the circuit becomes a two-stage amplifier. Notes:

If you intend to use the circuit to test valve operated devices C1 must be a 630V type. Working with low voltage supply transistor devices the voltage of C1 can be lowered to 63 or 100V. If instead of a short probe, you intend to connect the circuit to the device under test by means of a piece of wire longer than a few centimeters, a small ceramic capacitor (470 to 1000pF) should be added in parallel to D1 to prevent unwanted RF oscillation. Current drawing when in Pulse-Generator mode is about 60A and 1.2mA when in Signal-Tracer mode operation. Therefore SW1 can be omitted, provided that the earclip or headphones are unplugged when the circuit is unused. J1 is a stereo switched jack socket wired to obtain a series connection of the two earpieces forming a stereo headphone. In this manner the circuit is loaded with a higher impedance and sensitivity will be improved. Therefore, the higher the load impedance the more sensitive the Signal-Tracer. In any

case, common 32 Ohm impedance mini-headphones suitable for walkman sets will work fine. A crystal (high impedance) earpiece is a good solution, provided you substitute J1 with a mono switched jack socket. The entire circuit can be easily fitted into a pen-like enclosure, with the probe protruding like a nib.

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1,R2,R3,R10____10K R4,R5,R6_______100K R7,R8,R9________22K C1,C2,C3_______100nF C4______________47F 1/4W Resistors 1/4W Resistors 1/4W Resistors 63V Polyester or Ceramic Capacitors 25V Electrolytic Capacitor

D1,D3,D5_______5mm. Red LEDs D2,D4,D6_______5mm. Green LEDs IC1___________4011 Quad 2 input NAND Gate IC IC2___________4016 or 4066 Quad bilateral switch IC SW1,SW2,SW3___SPST P1,P2_________SPST Toggle or Slide Switches Pushbutton Switches

J1,J2,J3______1, 2 or 4mm. chassis sockets - or transistor socket or leads ended with crocodile clips B1_______________9V PP3 Battery

Clip for PP3 Battery

Circuit operation: A three-phase wave form is derived from the 350Hz ring-of-three oscillator formed by IC1A, IC1B and IC1C, and applied to the device under test via the LEDs. The oscillator wave form enables each pair of device terminals to be forward, reverse and unbiased for one third of a cycle. Current flowing into the device will turn the appropriate Red LED on and current flowing out will turn on the Green LED. Thus, the position of the Base lead and the polarity of a transistor may be deduced. IC2A, B and C are used to switch R7, R8 and R9 at once in parallel to R4, R5 and R6 respectively, by pressing P2 Pushbutton. This operation allows higher current drive for the Base lead of the device under test and may be required when low-gain power transistors are tested. As in most cases the pin layout of TO3 metal encased power devices may be easily deduced, and pin identification is mostly required by low power plastic encapsulated devices, IC2, R7, R8, R9, R10 and P2 can be omitted. Testing procedure: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Connect randomly the pins of the transistor under test to J1, J2 and J3 sockets or clips. Close SW1, SW2 and SW3. Push on P1; if the transistor is in good health the response of the Identifier will be: Two terminals will show both LEDs illuminated, the remaining one will show a single LED illuminated. If the LED illuminated is Red, the pin connected to the related connector will be the Base of a NPN transistor. If the LED illuminated is Green, the pin connected to the related connector will be the Base of a PNP transistor. Open the switch related to the single illuminated LED: the two terminals showing both LEDs illuminated will change their state and a single LED per terminal will be illuminated. The LED which previously indicated the Base pin will turn-off. If the transistor was previously identified as NPN, the pin connected to the now illuminated Green LED will be the Emitter, whereas the pin connected to the Red LED will be the Collector. If the transistor was previously identified as PNP, the pin connected to the now illuminated Red LED will be the Emitter, whereas the pin connected to the Green LED will be the Collector.

8.

9.

This procedure will suffice for reliable pin identification of most transistor types. In some cases, mainly when low-gain high power transistors are tested, the LED could illuminate faintly and reliable pin identification could be not so easy. Pushing both P1 and P2 will remedy this shortcoming. Diode testing: 1. Connect randomly the diode pins to two of the three sockets or clips.

2. Close SW1, SW2 and SW3. 3. Push on P1: if the diode is in good health, only one Red LED and one Green LED will illuminate. 4. The Red LED will signal that the diode pin connected to its related terminal will be the Anode, whereas the Green LED will signal that the diode pin connected to its related terminal will be the Cathode. Note: Unfortunately, testing Darlington type transistors could lead to some trouble. In fact, the Base pin and the polarity of these transistor types will be correctly shown by the Pin Identifier in the same way as common transistors, but Collector and Emitter pins will be displayed inverted; i.e. if the transistor was previously identified as NPN, the pin connected to the now illuminated Green LED will be the Collector (NOT the Emitter), whereas the pin connected to the Red LED will be the Emitter (NOT the Collector). On the other hand, if the transistor was previously identified as PNP, the pin connected to the now illuminated Red LED will be the Collector (NOT the Emitter), whereas the pin connected to the Green LED will be the Emitter (NOT the Collector). This is due to the fact that Darlington power transistors usually incorporate on the same chip a reverse-connected diode across Emitter and Collector. Doubts can be easily dissipated pushing on P2: Darlington transistors will cause all two LED pairs related to Emitter and Collector pins to illuminate brightly. On the contrary, common transistors will cause only a faint illumination of the remaining LEDs and, usually, a single LED indicating the Collector pin will illuminate.

Halloween Flashing-eyes Badge

Two-LED-eyes follow the rhythm of music or speech 3V Battery-operated device suitable for pins or badges
Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1______________10K R2_______________1M 1/4W Resistor 1/4W Resistor

R3_______________1K C1_______________47 C2______________47F

1/4W Resistor (See Notes) 25V Electrolytic Capacitor 25V Electrolytic Capacitor

D1,D2_________LEDs (2mm. preferred - See Notes) Q1_____________BC547 Q2_____________BC557 45V 100mA NPN Transistor 45V 100mA PNP Transistor

MIC1___________Miniature electret microphone SW1_____________SPST B1________________3V Notes Miniature Switch Battery (2 x 1.5V AA, AAA Cells in series etc. - See

Device purpose and Circuit operation: This circuit was purposely designed as a funny Halloween gadget. It should be placed to the rear of a badge or pin bearing a typical Halloween character image, e.g. a pumpkin, skull, black cat, witch, ghost etc. Two LEDs are fixed in place of the eyes of the character and will shine more or less brightly following the rhythm of the music or speech picked-up from surroundings by a small microphone. Two transistors provide the necessary amplification and drive the LEDs. Notes:

Any general purpose, small signal transistor can be used for Q1 and Q2, but please note that R3 could require adjustment, depending on the gain of Q1. For medium gain transistors, the suggested value should do the job. High gain transistors will require a lower value for R3, i.e. about 390 - 470 Ohm. You can substitute R3 with a 1K Trimmer in order to set precisely the threshold of the circuit. Any LED type and color can be used, but small, 2mm diameter, high efficiency LEDs will produce a better effect. No limiting resistors are required for D1 and D2 even if this could seem incorrect. Stand-by current consumption of the circuit is about 1.5mA. Depending on dimensions of your badge, you can choose from a wide variety of battery types: 2 x 1.5 V batteries type: AA, AAA, AAAA, button clock-type, photo-camera type & others. 2 x 1.4 V mercury batteries, button clock-type. 1 x 3 V Lithium cells.

Blinking Arrow
17 LEDs in four groups bar-mode sequence Suitable for shop-windows animation etc
Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1_____________500K R2______________22K R3,R5,R7,R9_____10K R4,R6,R8,R10_____4K7 R11,R12,R13____470R R14____________270R C1_______________47 C2_____________220F D1--D17________LEDs Q1,Q2,Q3,Q4___BC337 1/2W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W Trimmer Resistor Resistors Resistors Resistors Resistor

25V Electrolytic Capacitor 25V Electrolytic Capacitor Any type and color (except blue and white, see Notes) 45V 800mA NPN Transistor

IC1____________4093 IC2____________4520 IC3____________4094

Quad 2 input Schmitt NAND Gate IC Dual binary up-counter IC 8-stage shift-and-store bus register IC

Comments: A blinking arrow can be a very attractive gadget, suitable for many indication purposes. This circuit provides a bar-mode sequencer driving 17 LEDs arranged in four groups in order to buildup a bright arrow. When the build-up of the arrow is completed, all LEDs stay on for some time, then off for the same time-delay and then the cycle restarts. Sequence speed can be set by R1. For those wishing to experiment, sequence timings can also be varied by connecting pin #5 of IC1B to pin #5 of IC2 and pins #6, 8 and 9 of IC1 to pin #6 of IC2. Other pin combinations are possibile by shifting the above named pins of IC1 to higher outputs of the counters contained in IC2, i.e. pins #6 and 11, pins #11 and 12 etc. The resulting effect of the original four groups of 17 LEDs arrangement is shown in the title heading. Notes:

Obviously, many different arrangements using more or less LEDs are possibile. At 12V supply the maximum number of LEDs per strip is that shown in the circuit diagram, when red LED types are used. Yellow, green and orange types may require a lower value of the limiting resistors or a lesser number of devices per strip. Please note that the unused section of IC1 must have the inputs tied to negative ground whereas the output must be left open, as shown at the bottom of the diagram.

One second Audible Clock

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1______________10K 1/4W Resistor R2_______________4K7 1/4W Resistor R3_____________100R 1/4W Resistor (Optional, see Notes)

C1_______________1nF C2______________10F C3_____________100nF Notes) D1,D2,D3_____1N4148 D4______________LED D5___________1N4148 Q1____________BC337 IC1____________4024

63V Polyester or ceramic Capacitor 25V Electrolytic Capacitor 63V Polyester or ceramic Capacitor (Optional, see 75V 150mA Diodes (Optional, any shape and color, see Notes) 75V 150mA Diode (Optional, see Notes) 45V 800mA NPN Transistor 7 stage ripple counter IC

BZ1___________Piezo sounder (incorporating 3KHz oscillator) SPKR______________8 Ohm, 40 - 50mm diameter Loudspeaker (Optional, see Notes) SW1____________SPST Toggle or Slide Switch (Optional, see Notes) B1________________3 to 12V Battery (See Notes)

Comments: This accurate one-pulse-per-second clock is made with a few common parts and driven from a 50 or 60 Hertz mains supply but with no direct connection to it. A beep or metronome-like click and/or a visible flash, will beat the one-second time and can be useful in many applications in which some sort of time-delay counting in seconds is desirable. The circuit is formed by a CMos 4024 counter/divider chip and 3 diodes, arranged to divide the frequency of the input signal at pin #1 by 50 (or 60, see Notes). The input impedance at pin #1 is very hight, so simply touching the pin (or a short track or piece of wire connected to it) is usually enough to provide the necessary input signal. Another way to provide an input signal consists in a piece of wire wrapped several times around any convenient mains cable or transformer. No other connection is necessary. Notes:

To allow precise circuit operation in places where the mains supply frequency is rated at 60Hz, the circuit must be modified as follows: disconnect the Cathode of D1 from pin #11 of IC1 and connect it to pin #9. Add a further 1N4148 diode, connecting its Anode to R1 and the Cathode to pin #6 of IC1: that's all! The circuit will work fine with battery voltages in the 3 -12V range. The visual display, formed by D4 and R3 is optional. Please note that R3 value shown in the Parts list is suited to low battery voltages. If 9V or higher voltages are used, change its value to 1K. If a metronome-like click is needed, R2 and BZ1 must be omitted and substituted by the circuit shown enclosed in dashed lines, right-side of the diagram. Stand-by current drawing is negligible, so SW1 can be omitted.

Electronic Candle Blow Out

Circuit diagram:

Parts:
R1______________10K R2_______________1M R3_______________1K R4_______________4K7 R5______________10K R6_____________100R C1_____________100pF C2______________10F C3_____________100nF 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W 1/4W Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor (See Notes) Resistor (See Notes) Resistor (See Notes)

63V Ceramic Capacitor 25V Electrolytic Capacitor 63V Polyester or Ceramic Capacitor

D1___________1N4148 75V 150mA Diode D2______________LED (Any suitable type) Q1____________BC550C Q2____________BC337 Q3____________BC327 45V 100mA Low noise High gain NPN Transistor 45V 800mA NPN Transistor 45V 800mA PNP Transistor

MIC1__________Miniature electret microphone P1_____________SPST Pushbutton Switch B1_______________3V Battery (2 x 1.5V AA, AAA Cells in series etc.)

Comments: This design was developed by request of a correspondent having made a sort of LED candle and needing to switch off the LED with a puff. This simple, easy to build gadget can be useful as a prop for Halloween and Christmas season, shows and the like. Q2 & Q3 form a self-latching pair that start operating when P1 is pushed: in this way the LED (or bulb) will illuminate steadily. When someone emits a strong puff in the vicinity of the small

electret microphone, the resulting signal will be greatly amplified by Q1 and a rather long positive pulse (shaped by D1 and C2) will reset the self latching pair through the Emitter of Q2. The very low (and unusual) value of C1 acts as a simple high-pass filter, in order to prevent that normal speech or environmental noise shut off the device. Obviously, such a simple filter cannot be very discriminating, therefore, not only a strong puff will reset the circuit but also a loud shout, blow, clap or stroke. Notes:

A small bulb can be used in place of the LED. In this case a 3 - 3.5V, 0.7W (200mA) incandescent bulb can be used satisfactorily. Therefore, D2, R5 and R6 must be omitted, the bulb wired in place of R5 and R4 value changed to 1K5. Using a bulb instead of the LED, a 1.5V battery supply could also be used. A 1.5V, 0.3A incandescent bulb will work, but R4 must be replaced by a 470 Ohm Trimmer, adjusted to allow a reliable circuit operation. Please note that the circuit will draw a small current even when the LED or bulb are off. This current is about 1.2mA for the LED version of the circuit, 1.5mA for the 3V bulb version and 1mA for the 1.5V bulb version. Therefore, in some circumstances, the addition of a power on-off switch could be necessary.

Hobby & Models

Digital Step-Km Counter Max. range: 9.950 meters with two digits Slip it in pants' pocket for walking and jogging

One-IC two-tones Siren Double tone Police sound Single tone old ambulance sound

Personal Alarm Small, portable, anti-bag-snatching unit Also suitable for doors and windows control

Variable DC Power Supply Voltage range: 0.7 - 24V Current limiting range: 50mA - 2A

LED or Lamp Flasher Minimum parts counting - Improved version

3V battery operation

Two-wire Lamp Flasher Ideal to operate 3 to 24V DC existing on-circuit lamps LED operation is also possible

LED or Lamp Pulser Astonishing effect 4.5V supply

Bicycle back Safety Light Flashing 13 LED unit, 3V supply Also suitable for jogger/walkers

Jogging Timer 3V Battery powered Beeps after a fixed minutes delay

Whistle Responder Beeps when hears your whistle A gadget suitable for key-holders, games etc.

Pulse-Generator & Signal-Tracer Dual-purpose test-instrument Very simple circuitry, 1.5V Battery-operated

Magnetic-Radiation Remote-Control Short-range 35KHz operation, single-channel units Simple circuitry, no outer antennas required

Capacitive Sensor Special design for shop-windows animation Useful for many types of touch controls

Bells ring Generator

Three circuit options Can be synchronized to Christmas tree flashing lights

Dancing LEDs LED sequencer: follows the rhythm of music or speech 9V Battery-operated portable unit

Fading LEDs Two strips of LEDs fading in a complementary manner 9V Battery-operated portable unit

LEDs or Lamps Sequencer Very simple, versatile modular design No limits to the number of modules used in the ring

Cuckoo-song Generator Agreeable, very close sound imitation Suitable for sound effects, door-bells etc.

Brightness Control for small Lamps Switch-mode driven 1.5V bulbs Portable unit - 3V battery supply

Award winner! Published on ELECTRONICS WORLD "Circuit Ideas" June 2000 issue, page 458

230 Volts Flashing Lamps Especially designed for Christmas tree lamps Replaces old thermally-activated switches

Dark-activated LED or Lamp Flasher Simple photo-sensitive circuit

3V battery supply

Two-LED Pilot Light 230 or 115 Vac mains operated Very simple circuitry

E-B-C Transistor Pin Identifier Tests transistors and diodes for polarity Simple circuitry - 9V Battery operation

Powerful Siren Simple circuitry - No ICs 12V Battery operation

1.5V LED Flasher Oscillator Mimics the now discontinued LM3909 IC Can be adapted to a wide variety of applications

Halloween Flashing-eyes Badge Two LED-eyes follow the rhythm of music or speech 3V Battery-operated device suitable for pins or badges

Mains-operated Capacitive Sensor Easily adjustable, high sensitivity circuit Minimum parts counting

Push-bike Light Automatic switch-on when it gets dark 6V or 3V battery operation

Fine Control SuperBright LED Pulser Four timing controls - 12V supply Suitable for Halloween or Christmas props

Blinking Arrow

17 LEDs in four groups bar-mode sequence Suitable for shop-windows animation etc.

Programmable LED Flashers LED goes to steady state after a preset number of flashes Two simple, wide supply range operating circuits

Cricket Chirping Generator Funny gadget for props and jokes 5 - 12V Battery operation

One second Audible Clock Accurate, finger-operated portable unit 3 - 12V Battery supply

Electronic Candle Blow Out LED or bulb switch off with a puff Funny gadget - 3V Battery supply

Dual-rail Variable DC Power Supply Simple add-on for a single-rail supply 2.5V to 15V output

Rotating & Flashing 230V Lights Three channels - Three operating modes Completely ac-insulated circuit board

Long delay Timer Suitable for battery-operated devices Fixed 35 minutes delay

Circuit Board Tester Indicates the basic integrity of a printed board Self-powered - 3 to 30V range

Quick on-board Junction Tester

Acoustic check of transistor and diode junctions Also suitable as continuity tester

Flashing-LED Battery-status Indicator Signals when an on-circuit battery is exhausted 5V to 12V operating voltage

Cheap Transistor 'Beta' Meter Measures the hfe of NPN and PNP transistors Requires a digital or analog Multimeter

Simple Capacitance Meter Operates in conjunction with a voltmeter 1pF to 22F in six Ranges - 9V Battery supply

Simple Frequency Meter 10Hz - 200kHz in three ranges Operates in conjunction with a Digital Multimeter

Bar-mode Lights Sequencer Can drive up to 15 LEDs or LED-clusters Selectable Bar-length

Automatic fading lights Suitable for 230V incandescent bulbs Ideal for Christmas decorations

Car Horn Suitable for models and toys 6-12V dc supply

Mini Touch Alert Small portable gadget 1.5 to 9V Battery supply